BRAVE NEW SCHOOLS

14 arrested in fight, campus on lockdown

At least a dozen police officers respond to violence

(THE ITEM) — SUMTER, S.C. — Fourteen students at Sumter High School were arrested, and the school was placed on temporary lockdown after a fight erupted in the cafeteria early Tuesday morning.

No serious injuries were reported from the altercation that started about 8:30 a.m. as students were preparing for their first class, and high school administrators ended their lockdown within two hours. Sumter Police Department, which had at least a dozen officers respond to the school, said there were no weapons involved in the incident.

Seven of the students arrested were at least 17 years old and will be charged as adults for disturbing a school, said Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for Sumter police. One school administrator and one police officer were also assaulted during the fight, and additional charges are possible. Neither the administrator nor officer was seriously injured.